Anterior nasal spine

Anterior nasal spine - Definition

The Anterior Nasal Spine (ANS) is a bony protrusion in the skull that is referred to as the most anterior point on the maxilla.

It is also known by the Latin name "Spina nasalis anterior corporis maxillae."

Anterior nasal spine - Etymology

The term nasal originates from the Latin word "nasus" that itself comes from the Sanskrit term "nasa" standing for nose. The word "Spine" is derived from "spina" - a Latin word meaning "thorn". The term is used by anatomists to indicate pointed bony protuberances.

Anterior nasal spine - Anatomy

The margin of a deep concavity, known as the "nasal notch", ends below the dilator naris posterior in a pointed process. With its counterpart in the opposite side, it forms the anterior nasal spine.

Anterior nasal spine - Pictures

The images below represent the shape, structure and location of this bony protrusion.